to search for an expose real or alleged corruption, scandal, or the like, especially in politics.

Ooo. In middle school, my greatest ambition was to start a political newspaper called The Muckraker. (So glad I crossed that off my career list…)

“We can’t be afraid,” she said valiantly from her position on top of the desk. “We are reporters! We have to be willing to muckrake, to stand up and expose the ugly truth for what it is!”

The other girls cheered.

“Mrs. French is a filthy hypocrite!” she continued. “And I, for one, will not stand for it any longer! I will not sit idly by and let such corruption infiltrate our sacred educational institute! Now get out there, girls, and write me a story!”

The next day, on the front page of Mullen High School’s newspaper, the following headline shouted at readers:

“You’re asking me to muckrake one of my personal friends, someone who’s offered me help and advice through the years. You’re crazy if you actually think I’d do it.”

“I would hardly call it muckraking. There’s no brewing scandal here, just a little innocent curiosity. And all I’m asking you to do is mention it around a bit. The people involved will be more likely to talk to you about it than me.”

“Yes. Because they trust me. Rightfully so. I’m not doing it, end of discussion.”

“There’s no call to get upset.”

“Isn’t there?”

“Is there nothing I could say that would convince you to help me out?”

“Nothing.”

“Very well then. But if I were you, I’d ask myself if this woman I was going to such lengths to protect would extend the same consideration to me. And I would think long and hard about it. Good day.”

Silence, broken only by the sound of footsteps turning and striding back up the corridor. Five seconds.